See More

Dubai Tightens Crypto License Grip, Binance Facing Scrutiny

2 mins
Updated by Michael Washburn
Join our Trading Community on Telegram

In Brief

  • Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has asked Binance for more information in order to obtain a license there.
  • The world's biggest exchange must disclose more about its ownership, management, and auditing processes.
  • Dubai's licensing system is notoriously complex, as the emirate looks to avoids an FTX-like debacle.
  • promo

Dubai is paying closer attention to companies applying for crypto licenses. The emirate is especially concerned following the implosion of FTX last year.

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai has asked Binance and other companies to provide more information on their ownership, management, and auditing processes. This request reportedly extends to all international firms seeking permits. According to sources, Dubai is attempting to balance innovation with a strict approach to regulation.

However, this could prove a headache for Binance, which has been under pressure from US regulators in recent weeks.

According to sources, Binance’s complexity has resulted in longer response times for those inquiries. Binance lacks a worldwide head office and instead employs a global advisory board as opposed to a conventional board of directors. Additionally, Binance’s corporate structure is complex, with various holding companies, including three cited in the CFTC lawsuit, and a range of local entities.

Binance (BNB) Price. Paxos. BUSD

Dubai Crypto Licenses Are Notoriously Complex

Binance told Bloomberg News that: 

“We have disclosed all necessary answers to VARA on a proactive basis and in line with our regulatory and fiduciary responsibilities.”

Binance wants to start trading cryptocurrencies in Dubai using its Binance FZE group. The group’s auditor is Mazars, the same accountancy firm that provided Binance’s controversial “agreed-upon-procedure” (AUP) last year following the FTX crash. CZ later claimed it was a full audit.

However, Binance told Bloomberg the launch of Binanze FZE has been delayed due to “operational reasons.” Who owns Binance FZE is also not listed on UAE’s federal registry.

The exchange is trying to obtain an Operational MVP license to widen its services. An Operational MVP would allow it to offer services to institutions and qualified investors in Dubai. After this, it will seek a Full Market Product permit, which VARA will launch in June. An FMP crypto license would allow companies to offer cryptocurrency trading to all retail investors.

Yesterday, the exchange announced an expansion of services in Argentina. This will allow users to directly trade digital currencies with local pesos. Prior to this, Binance only operated as an intermediary platform to connect buyers and sellers of crypto in Argentina.

Top crypto platforms in the US | April 2024
Coinbase Coinbase Explore →
AlgosOne AlgosOne Explore →
Chain GPT Chain GPT Explore →
iTrustCapital iTrustCapital Explore →

Trusted

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

Frame-2298.png
Josh Adams
Josh is a reporter at BeInCrypto. He first worked as a journalist over a decade ago, initially covering music before moving into politics and current affairs. Josh first owned Bitcoin in 2014 and has followed the space ever since. He is particularly interested in Web3 adoption, policy and regulation, CBDCs, privacy, and the future of the metaverse.
READ FULL BIO
Sponsored
Sponsored